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Find the best car rental deals at Gatwick Airport, London
Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the ‘great connector’, an airport that gets you to where you want to be, whether it’s the Square Mile in London or the beachfronts of the East Sussex coast. For an altogether easer travel experience that puts you in control, pick up a rental car and get to where you want to be on your own terms.
Gatwick Airport not only connects you to London, but much of the south in fact. Along with the capital, here’s our pick of destinations that are within easy reach by car.
Host meetings dwarfed by skyscrapers like the Walkie-Talkie; pick up vintage attire from Portobello Market; and wander quietly through Richmond Park – whatever your reason for being in London, the capital aims to exceed all expectations. If you’re driving in, bear in mind that roads in the city center tend to be extremely congested, with very few parking opportunities.
Journey time: Around an hour
Distance: Approximately 28 miles
For a fresh, scenic and reinvigorating experience, head southeast from Gatwick Airport to the South Downs. As your drive deeper into this sprawling expanse of countryside, described as one of Britain’s finest breathing spaces, you’ll note just how pleasantly quiet and removed it is from city life. And with spectacular and ever-changing views, it makes for a lovely road trip.
Journey time: Around an hour
Distance: Approximately 35 miles
Think Brighton, think beach. And while that rightly remains a highlight, there’s more to this town that typical seaside fare. With a culturally diverse population and a thriving nightlife and food scene – the Bib Gourmand 64 Degrees to name one – it’s very much an all year round destination. It’s also a great spot for exploring the picturesque East Sussex coast by car.
Journey time: Around 40 minutes
Distance: Approximately 28 miles
You’ve arrived at Gatwick, one of the busiest airports in the UK. Now you’re looking to pick up your rental car. Here’s what you need to know.
There are numerous brands operating from Gatwick Airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt. Other firms, such as Ace Rent A Car, Dollar and Thrifty, have offices outside of the airport.
Most of the car rental operators are based in the South Terminal. Some, including Enterprise and Hertz, also have desks in the North Terminal. For firms outside of Gatwick, jump on a free shuttle bus and get off at the stop recommended by your operator.
When you book online, you will receive information as to where your operator is located. If you’re looking to rent a car on arrival, simply look out for and follow the yellow car rental signs in the South Terminal. If you’ve arrived via the North Terminal, all you need to do is hop onto a free shuttle bus and, again, follow the yellow signs.
Once you’ve completed the paperwork, you will be accompanied by a member of staff to a nearby carpark where you can inspect your rental car. If all is well, then you’re good to go.
